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1994 GMC Sierra problems

The most common problem on the 1994 GMC Sierra is windows, wipers and visibility, typically around 102,000 miles. It has 3.2 times the complaints of a typical Sierra model year.

Typical year3.2x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
190
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
9
Worst area
Visibility
Fuel economy
12-19mpg

The worst 1994 GMC Sierra problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 1994 GMC Sierra

Wipers 111Stalling 6Fuel pump 5

Recalls 3

Visibility: windshield wiper/washerReported July 1, 1998 · 1,557,585 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
Risk
This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.

Recall number 98V150001 · Recall details

Seat belts: frontReported December 13, 1995 · 630,099 vehicles affected
What is wrong
If both the lap-belt and shoulder-belt energy management loops on the front seat belt assemblies release at or near the same time, acceleration forces can cause the buckle release mechanism to activate and allow the buckle to separate from the latch.
Risk
If the buckle released, the system would fail to provide adequate occupant restraint protection.
Remedy
Dealers will remove the stitching that creates the energy management loop in the shoulder belt(s).

Recall number 95V241000 · Recall details

Seat belts: frontReported December 13, 1995 · 40 vehicles affected
What is wrong
These vehicles were built with front seat belt systems with no energy management loops and may not meet the head injury criteria requirements of fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection."
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupants of these seats may not be properly restrained.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the retractor portion of the seat belt assembly(s) with one having the newly designed energy-management twin-loop system.

Recall number 95V242000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 1994 GMC Sierra

Technical service bulletins for the 1994 GMC Sierra 9

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

1994 GMC Sierra fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
6.5L 8‑cyl DieselRWD15-1719-2216-19
4.3L 6‑cylRWD14-1620-2116-18
6.5L 8‑cyl Diesel4WD14-1517-2015-17
4.3L 6‑cyl4WD13-1517-1814-16
5.0L 8‑cylRWD12-1317-1814-15
5.7L 8‑cylRWD11-1216-1813-14
5.0L 8‑cyl4WD11-1216-1713-14
5.7L 8‑cyl4WD1114-1612-13

What 1994 GMC Sierra owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 28, 2019 · Seats · 200,000 miles · GA

Seat back pivot pin broke. The seat can only recline. This is very similar to recall 95v246000. But my VIN doesn't show up when searched. Why is my VIN not included? This is a 1994 gmc sierra sle. Thanks

Filed Aug 15, 2019 · Seat belts · 145,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 1994 gmc sierra. The contact stated that the driver's seat belt would not latch to the buckle. Also, the strap that goes across the driver's chest would not adjust to his height. The contact spoke with cole buick gmc (6600 s westnedge ave, portage, mi 49002, 269‑323‑3200) and was informed that the seat belts were not included in a recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 145,000.

Filed Oct 31, 2011 · Visibility · 125,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 1994 gmc sierra. The contact stated that the windshield wipers were inoperable. The vehicle was diagnosed by the owner who stated that the circuit board to the wiper motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 10433666 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer). The failure and the current mileages were approximately 125,000. Updated 11/29/11 *cn updated 12/12/11

Filed Oct 11, 2011 · Visibility · 40,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1994 gmc sierra. While the contact was driving approximately 35 MPH, the windshield wipers were activated but failed to function. The windshield wipers began to function after several attempts but the failure recurred sporadically. There was a recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 98v150001 (visibility: windshield wiper/washer) bu the contact was advised that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

Filed May 8, 2009 · Seats · 120,000 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 1994 gmc sierra. The contact stated that the bolt supporting the front seat backs sheared off and caused the seat backs to fall backwards. He repaired the issue himself after purchasing another set of bolts from the dealer two years ago. Recently, the failure recurred while driving approximately 45 MPH. The contact was also driving when the failure occurred two years ago. The dealer and manufacturer stated that they could not assist. The current mileage was 193,377 and failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Jul 13, 2006 · Visibility · 100,000 miles · OH

I am experiencing intermittent problems with my wipers not working on a 1994 gmc sierra pickup. This problem has happened several times. Each time this happened the road conditions are wet and without the aid of the wipers working properly visibility is near zero. This creates a dangerous condition while in heavy traffic. No warning signals are given when the wipers will or will not work. Most recently I called a gmc customer service representative and his response was that with the age of the truck this problem was considered normal wear. This left me the feeling that they (general motors) were not concerned with the issue. At this point the condition still exists.

Filed Jun 8, 2006 · Visibility · 145,000 miles · NJ

Dt*: the contact stated that the windshield wipers worked intermittently. There is a the federal safety agency recall, # 98v150001, regarding the visibility windshield wiper/washer. A recall letter was received, however the vehicle's VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 6/19/2006 -

Filed Mar 28, 2006 · Electrical, Visibility · PA

Consumer 1994 sierra 1500 windshield wiper works on and off. *ts the starter was also replaced.

Filed Oct 4, 2005 · Brakes · 54,000 miles · PA · crash

Dt: the contact owns a 1994 gmc sierra. The contact stated that there was an increase in stopping distance when the brakes were applied at lower speeds. The contact stated that the condition were worse when the roads were wet. When the vehicle was in the 4- wheel drive mode the ABS system w automatically shut off, and the vehicle stopped without any problems. Also, when the vehicle in the 2-wheel drive mode a problem would always occurred when braking. The contact stated that while driving he tried to stop to avoid hitting a deer, but could not even though both feet were applied to the brake. There was a recall for a different model year, but the consumer's vehicle was not included although it experienced the same problems. The contact replaced the front rotors, back brake drums, all of the brake linings, and the front brake calipers. The dealership suggested that nothing was wrong with the brakes. The consumer has not contacted the manufacturer. The contact stated that the previous owners told him that there have been problems with the brakes since the vehicle was purchased. *sc .

Filed Aug 28, 2005 · Brakes · IN

Rusted steel brake line going from front of vehicle to rear brakes.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1994 GMC Sierra before you buy

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Questions about the 1994 GMC Sierra

Is the 1994 GMC Sierra reliable?

Owners have filed 190 complaints about the 1994 GMC Sierra, 3.2 times a typical Sierra model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1994 GMC Sierra?

Windows, wipers and visibility, with 115 complaints, typically around 102,000 miles. Next is seats (21).

How many recalls does the 1994 GMC Sierra have?

3 recalls, covering visibility and seat belts.

Was there a recall on the 1994 GMC Sierra visibility?

Yes, 1 recall: 98V150001. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the GMC Sierra have the most visibility problems?

The GMC Sierra model years with the most visibility complaints are 1995 (140 complaints), 1994 (115 complaints) and 1996 (84 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1994 GMC Sierra get?

Official estimates for the 1994 GMC Sierra range from 12 to 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (6.5L 8-cyl diesel, RWD) gets 15-17 city and 19-22 highway.

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